Recently, there has been a lot of chatter surrounding the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. One of the major highlights from all the speculations and reports that have been out so far was the prospect of an international race. But those rumors were recently confirmed by NASCAR as the senior VP, Ben Kennedy, opened up about the potential of an international race, along with a return to Chicago in 2025.

SiriusXM NASCAR host Danielle Trotta shared the update regarding the development via her X account. She wrote, “#NASCAR SVP Ben Kennedy tells us likely back on Chicago Street Course next year. 2025 Schedule announced soon and working on international race -either north or south of border. Also sounds like Amazon & Turner coming in will shake up regular season schedule a bit.”

The sensible option north of the border is Montreal, and in the south, there’s Mexico City. That’s not it; the new schedule will also see a huge shuffle and the addition of new tracks in the playoffs. Meanwhile, there are concerns regarding the dates on tracks such as Richmond and Iowa, as they might have to make room for more road course races.

NASCAR’s plan all along has been to tap into new markets and cater to a younger audience. Going international and adding more road course races to the schedule might do the trick for them. But as far as traditional fans are concerned, they wouldn’t be impressed by such a drastic shift. And they quickly shared their views on NASCAR’s ambitious project on social media.

Fans react to leaks on the 2025 Cup Series schedule

Hardcore NASCAR fans have always advocated for more oval racing and the revival of iconic tracks that were forgotten as the sport transitioned into the modern era. And looking at the current trends, it looks like more road course races will find their place on the schedule. Fuming over the idea, this fan was quick to point out that NASCAR should look to spend its resources in the local markets, rather than going international, “Bring back Chicagoland cowards!”

This race fan was in absolute disbelief to see NASCAR even considering a move back to Mexico City despite the failed experiments in the past. “I can’t believe they’d even entertain going to Mexico again after the debacle of 05-06.”

There are genuine concerns about the dates for the Richmond and Iowa races next season. While NASCAR is yet to finalize the new home for the Busch Light Clash, So a move by the governing council to go international just didn’t make sense for this Reddit user. “Why would they go out of the country when there aren’t enough dates to go around for the tracks we have here?”

While Shane van Gisbergen has put the Chicago Street race on the map, this particular fan wasn’t convinced to see the race returning to the 2025 schedule. “They’re gonna add more road courses aren’t they. Even when this car is dogshit at them. Don’t let SVG or Chainsmokers fans fool you about Chicago racing.”

Some even criticized NASCAR for giving in to the demands of the broadcaster after bagging the $7.7 billion deal for the next seven years. “Not surprised cause @NASCAR lets the broadcasters tell them what the schedule will be.”

The clear picture regarding the seismic changes to NASCAR racing will only be revealed when the official schedule is out. However, the reports suggest that the 2025 Cup schedule could be out after the completion of the Chicago Street Race.